PHOTOGRAPH ***Signed***

Ford, Betty

About this Item

Signed "Betty Ford" in black ink. Black and white photograph measuring 8.0" X 10.0" in FINE condition. Elizabeth Anne Ford (April 8, 1918 ? July 8, 2011) was the first lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977, as the wife of President Gerald Ford. As first lady, she was active in social policy and set a precedent as a politically active presidential spouse. Ford also served as the second lady of the United States from 1973 to 1974. Throughout her husband's term in office, she maintained high approval ratings. Ford was noted for raising breast cancer awareness following her 1974 mastectomy. In addition, she was a passionate supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). As a supporter of abortion rights and a leader in the women's rights movement, she gained fame as one of the most candid first ladies in history, commenting on every hot-button issue of the time, including feminism, equal pay, the Equal Rights Amendment, sex, drugs, abortion, and gun control. She also raised awareness of addiction when in the 1970s, she announced her long-running battle with alcoholism and substance abuse, being the first first lady to do so. Following her White House years, she continued to lobby for the ERA and remained active in the feminist movement. She was the founder, and served as the first chair of the board of directors, of the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse and addiction. She was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (as a co-recipient with President Ford in 1998) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (presented to her by George H. W. Bush in 1991). Seller Inventory # 002957

Bibliographic Details

Title: PHOTOGRAPH ***Signed***

Binding: No Binding

Condition: Fine

Signed: Signed by Author(s)